There’s no denying that the Gulf of Mexico offers breathtaking views. But aside from jaw dropping vistas, another great feature is its abundance of seafood. Indeed, the area serves as home to renowned seafood restaurants in Orange Beach, such as Tacky Jacks, where you can count on one item always remaining a staple: shrimp.

This scrumptious crustacean is great whether served boiled or deep fried with breading. Besides their palatability, shrimps offer many health benefits that add to their plate appeal.

High Quality Protein

Our muscle tissues are constantly being broken down and rebuilt. But for rebuilding to happen, your body needs a daily supply of protein, the building blocks of muscle tissues. If you crave shrimp, you’ll be glad to know that it is a great source of high-quality protein. Each six ounce serving of it contains a whopping 39 grams of protein, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily protein intake (46 grams for women, and 46 grams for men).

Enzyme Activation

Shrimps are also a rich source of zinc and selenium, two nutrients vital to the activation of enzymes, allowing your cells to facilitate chemical reactions. More specifically, a typical serving of shrimp contains about 2.8 milligrams of zinc (about 35% of the ideal daily intake), which activates enzymes that cover energy production.

It also contains 84.2 micrograms of selenium (about 150% of the ideal daily intake), which is used by the body to mobilize enzymes that promote healthy muscle metabolism and help prevent cancer.

Beautiful Skin and Hair

Ever wonder why shrimps are pink? It’s actually the product of a substance called astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent premature aging of skin. It also contains a rich amount of copper, a mineral that supports the growth of healthy hair. Indeed, this seafood doesn’t just taste good—it makes you look good, too!

A Sharper Brain

Shrimps are also an abundant source of iron, a mineral that allows oxygen to bond with blood cells. When you consume iron-rich food, more oxygen can circulate to your body, including the brain, resulting in greater concentration, comprehension, and memory.

As long as you consume a reasonable serving of shrimps, you can enjoy all these wonderful health benefits while treating your palate. If you’re looking to sample the seafood in Orange Beach, AL, be sure to try the No. 1 item on the menu.